ICE DMND Park City, Utah Training Camp Recap!

Park City Ice Arena

March 26th-30th 2025

Our team just wrapped up an incredible training camp in Utah, where they had the privilege of working with some of the most accomplished coaches in the industry. Over the course of several days, they engaged in intensive on-ice and off-ice training, refining their technique, expanding their skill sets, and pushing their limits like never before.

 

On-Ice Training: Elevating Technique and Performance

Under the expert guidance of our elite coaching lineup, our skaters worked on everything from double jumps and combination spins to intricate footwork and new gliding techniques.

Jump Mastery & Technique: Tiffany McNeil and Brynn Roberts broke down jump mechanics, helping skaters perfect their double jumps with precision. Tiffany’s expertise in IJS strategizing and periodization ensured that each skater understood how to optimize their jump technique for competition success. Brynn, a decorated national and international competitor, demonstrated key elements of powerful and consistent jumping, providing hands-on feedback to refine each takeoff and landing.

Spin Development & Speed: Katie Tucker, our spin specialist and former Disney On Ice performer, spent time perfecting spin positions and introducing new variations. With her background in yoga, she emphasized flexibility, core engagement, and balance—key components for achieving strong and controlled spins. Sarah Riding also honed in on spin technique, focusing on increasing rotational speed and perfecting edge changes for dynamic combination spins.

Skating Skills & Power Development: Erika Roberts and Sarah Carter worked on skating skills, edge quality, and choreographic elements. Erika’s expertise in step sequences and gliding moves helped skaters refine their flow across the ice, making every movement more efficient and powerful. Sarah Carter, an internationally experienced coach, strengthened our skaters’ foundational technique, emphasizing proper knee bend, blade placement, and power development.

Choreographic Expression & Showmanship: Stephanie Chace Bass, a master choreographer and former Royal Caribbean soloist, took our skaters’ artistry to the next level. She guided them through expressive movement and show tricks, ensuring they could bring storytelling to their routines. Kelly Cassity also played a key role in developing gliding moves and performance quality, helping skaters elevate their on-ice presence.

Collegiate & Competitive Skating Insight: Brynn Roberts, a two-time National Intercollegiate Final medalist and University of Denver Figure Skating Team President-Elect, shared invaluable insights into collegiate skating. She worked one-on-one with skaters, helping them strengthen their jumps, spins, and signature skills while also offering guidance on transitioning into collegiate and elite-level competition.

 

Off-Ice Training: Strength, Technique & Innovation

The off-ice sessions were just as intensive as the on-ice training, focusing on strength, flexibility, and technical refinement.

Electric Spinner Training: One of the highlights of off-ice training was working with an electric spinner, an innovative tool that helped skaters refine their spinning positions and improve their balance and core strength. Skaters gained a deeper understanding of their center of rotation, making a noticeable impact when they stepped back onto the ice.

Jump Technique & Explosive Power: Tiffany McNeil and Stephanie Chace Bass led specialized off-ice jump sessions, utilizing box jumps and plyometric exercises to build explosive power and stability. These sessions reinforced proper takeoff mechanics and air positioning, ensuring more controlled and confident jump landings on the ice.

Strength, Flexibility & Recovery: Katie Tucker incorporated elements of yoga and body awareness into off-ice training, focusing on flexibility and injury prevention. Skaters learned how to activate the right muscle groups for better posture and positioning, crucial for maintaining balance in high-speed spins and complex choreography.

 

A Transformational Experience

This training camp was a game-changer for our team. With access to some of the best coaching minds in figure skating, each skater walked away with new skills, improved technique, and a renewed sense of confidence in their abilities. They were pushed beyond their limits and learned how to train smarter, skate stronger, and compete at a higher level.

 

A huge thank you to Kelly Cassity, Sarah Riding, Brynn Roberts, Sarah Carter, Erika Roberts, Tiffany McNeil, Stephanie Chace Bass, and Katie Tucker for sharing their expertise and helping our skaters unlock their potential. This experience will undoubtedly fuel our momentum as we continue working toward our goals this season.

 

ICE DMND Skaters are ready for what’s next—stronger, faster, and more inspired than ever!  

 

 

ICE DMND's take over Mammoth Lakes!

LA Kings Ice at Mammoth Lakes

April 23rd-27th 2025

Our team just wrapped up an incredible training camp in Utah, where they had the privilege of working with some of the most accomplished coaches in the industry. Over the course of several days, they engaged in intensive on-ice and off-ice training, refining their technique, expanding their skill sets, and pushing their limits like never before.

 

An unforgettable Figure Skating Retreat Full of Fun, Growth, and High-Altitude Adventure!

ICE DMND just wrapped up our second amazing retreat of the season. This time in the breathtaking Mammoth Lakes, CA, and it was nothing short of unforgettable. Following our amazing experience in Park City, the bar was set high, but Mammoth absolutely delivered with stunning views, world-class coaching, and a whole lot of laughter.

 

Coaching Dream Team

We had the privilege of working with two phenomenal coaches during our time on the ice:

Stephanie Gylden- She began her skating journey in the 1970s in Minot, ND and brought a meaningful background of experience in freestyle, dance, and precision skating. With decades of coaching under her belt, Stephanie now calls Mammoth home and brings her passion for foundational excellence to every lesson. Her philosophy? Master the basics, unlock every path in skating—whether it’s competitive, recreational, or even ski team cross-training.

Brooke Pitman— She was the 1998 National Junior Figures Champion and 2018 World Figure & Fancy Skating Champion. Brooke joined us with her gold medals in Moves in the Field and Figures, and her expertise in power skating and wild ice safety. Also a practicing physical therapist, Brooke’s attention to detail and technique helped elevate our team’s skating across the board.

 

What we learned on the ice

Our team dove deep into the world of compulsory figures, a classic and vital part of skating. For many of our skaters, this was their first exposure to the discipline. They learned how to use a scribe (a giant compass for the ice!) and even got to lay down their own perfect circles. Figures may look simple, but they build incredible edge control, balance, and focus—skills that translate directly to all areas of skating. We also had our first ever taste of Ice Dance! None of our skaters had done it before, but they were hooked. From gliding with partners to matching rhythms and steps, it was both fun and challenging, and our team loved every second of it. It opened a brand new door for many of them, blending musicality, technique, and teamwork.

Freestyle sessions took things up a notch. Our jumps, spins, and even lifts leveled up with dedicated one-on-one attention and personalized feedback. Watching each skater take what they learned and put it into action was incredibly rewarding. Then came the power skating, but it wasn’t just any power class. Coach had us strap on parachutes for resistance training, making every stride, crossover, and sprint way more intense. The wind may have been blowing, but so were we- pushing through, building strength, and flying (literally and figuratively)!

 

Private Ice & Dream Location!

We had exclusive access to the pristine LA Kings Mammoth Ice Rink, nestled in the mountains and surrounded by fresh snow. The views from the rink were absolutely stunning and every morning skate felt like a dream.

 

Off-Ice Adventures

Training didn’t stop when the skates came off. We hit the mountains for off-ice sessions focused on jumps, core strength, and balance, all set against a backdrop of snow-covered peaks. Our muscles were sore, but our spirits were high. Then came one of the highlights: a two-hour hike through the mountains with Coach Brooke. The trail was filled with breathtaking views and even

better memories. We laughed so hard, we cried!

 

Beyond the ice rink

Of course, no ICE DMND retreat would be complete without some off-the-ice fun! We spent time shopping, eating amazing food, skiing, and just soaking in everything Mammoth had to offer. One of the most special moments was when Stephanie, our incredible figure skating director, hit the slopes with our team. A powerhouse on the ice and the mountain, she helped guide and support our skaters every step of the way with skill and grace.

 

Final Thoughts

This was our second retreat of the season, and while Park City set the standard, Mammoth Lakes came in hot (or should we say cold?) with a trip just as unforgettable. From perfecting figures to flying down the slopes, this retreat was a perfect blend of training, bonding, and adventure. ICE DMND continues to grow stronger, closer, and more inspired with every journey we take.

 

ICE DMND until next time—stay fierce, jump high, and keep shining on that ice!

 

 

ICE DMND Aspen Training Retreat!

Lewis Ice Arena Aspen

January 18th- January 21st 2026

Our ICE DMND Aspen Training Retreat was intentionally designed to push our skaters technically, mentally, and physically and it delivered in every way. Training approximately 5 hours on the ice per day plus 1 hour of structured off-ice daily, all in small groups of 2–4 skaters, allowed us to get incredibly specific and intentional with every correction.

Training at altitude added a powerful layer to the experience. With less available oxygen in the air, everything from step sequences to full jump passes felt harder. That challenge forces the body and mind to adapt, improving stamina and efficiency so when skaters return to sea level, programs feel more manageable and competition pressure is easier to handle. Aspen wasn’t just beautiful, it was a training tool.

 

Daily 30-Minute Figure Edge Class — led by Paul Wylie

One of the most impactful elements of our Aspen retreat was the daily 30-minute edge class taught by Paul. This was a rare and invaluable opportunity for our skaters: a full sheet of ice dedicated entirely to edges, no jumps, no spins, no programs, just skating quality.

Most skaters almost never experience this type of training. In a regular rink environment, edges are usually rushed through in warm-ups or briefly addressed within other lessons. Having uninterrupted ice time solely for edges allowed skaters to slow down, feel the blade, and truly understand how power, control, and flow are created on the ice.

A figure edge class focuses on how a skater controls the blade, inside and outside edges, pressure, lean, alignment, knee action, and efficiency. Paul broke edge work down to its foundation, teaching skaters how to:

• Maintain clean, controlled inside and outside edges

• Generate speed through proper knee bend and extension

• Hold edges longer without scraping or flattening the blade

• Control direction changes with confidence and precision

• Understand how edges directly connect to jump take-offs, landings, and spin entries

Because this class was taught daily, skaters immediately applied what they learned to every other session. Jumps felt more secure, spins entered more cleanly, and footwork became more powerful and intentional. This daily edge class became the backbone of the entire retreat and reinforced the idea that great skating doesn’t start in the air, it starts on the ice

 

How coaching specialization drove real progress

Jumps — led by Paul, Teri, and Jessica

Paul Wylie, Teri Klindworth Hooper, and Jessica Bankston led jump training with a strong emphasis on edges, take-offs, and efficiency, not just landing jumps, but mastering how to enter them correctly.

Skaters worked in detail on:

• Single jumps with edge refinement

• Axels focusing on edge control, delayed rotation, and clean check-outs

• Double Salchow, Double Toe Loop, Double Loop, Double Flip, and Double Lutz

• Correct inside versus outside take-off edges

• Entry patterns, alignment, and flow out of landings

 

A huge focus throughout the week was jump edges. We drilled edges relentlessly so skaters weren’t cheating rotation or muscling jumps. As edges improved, jumps became more consistent, higher, and calmer.

Paul’s Olympic-level insight helped skaters simplify technique, getting more result with less effort. Teri reinforced those corrections daily to ensure changes stuck. Jessica supported sessions with positive energy, structure, and confidence building repetition.

Spins clearly structured by coach specialty

Spin training was intentionally divided so skaters received layered, progressive instruction.

Advanced spin entries — taught by Paul

Paul worked specifically on power-driven spin entries, including:

• Butterfly

• Death drop

• Dynamic entry timing

• Explosion and commitment into spins

These sessions emphasized attack, confidence, and starting spins with authority.

 

Flying spins and layback variations — taught by Allison

Allison Miller focused on advancing spin difficulty and refinement, including:

• Flying spin variations

• Layback variations

• Position clarity and alignment

• Stability through difficult transitions

Her background in spins and Moves in the Field helped skaters understand why a position worked and how to fix it when it didn’t.

 

Spin fundamentals and clean basics — taught by Jenny

Jenny Nelson focused on strengthening the foundation of spinning:

• Centering

• Balance and control

• Clear basic positions

• Consistency and rotational speed

Her work ensured spins were clean, controlled, and reliable, setting skaters up for long-term success as difficulty increases.

 

Footwork and skating skills — led by Maggie

Maggie Brooks led detailed footwork sessions centered on edge quality, control, and precision, skills that carried directly into jumps and spins.

Skaters worked extensively on:

• Deep edges and knee action

• Counters

• Rockers

• Choctaws

• Direction changes with speed and flow

• Complex step sequences tied to musical phrasing

The improvement in skating skills showed immediately. Better edges translated to stronger jumps, cleaner spins, and more confident skating overall.

 

Off-ice training — the mind matters

Paul led daily off-ice sessions that focused on the power of the mind rather than physical conditioning. These sessions emphasized:

• Mental commitment before take-off

• Confidence under pressure

• Visualization and intention

• Using smile muscles—how facial expression and positive body language reduce tension, shift mindset, and improve performance

Skaters learned that how you think and how you carry yourself directly impacts execution. Confidence and belief were treated as trainable skills, and it showed on the ice.

 

Beyond the ice: team bonding in Aspen

Outside the rink, we built something just as important as technique, connection.

We skied together, swam and recovered, shared countless meals, shopped and explored, walked through downtown Aspen, and spent time in Snowmass Village. These moments laughing, decompressing, and supporting each other are what turn a training group into a true team.

 

Final thoughts

This retreat challenged our skaters in the best possible way. Training at altitude, drilling edges daily, refining jumps, developing spins from the ground up, and strengthening the mental side of performance gave our athletes tools they will carry into competition all season.

I am incredibly proud of their focus, work ethic, and growth technically, mentally, and emotionally. Aspen raised the bar, and this team rose right with it.

 

ICE DMND always!

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Copyright Coach Connie 2025

In collaboration with an elite group of coaches both in Southern California and Nationwide ICE DMND skaters have the opportunity to diversify and expand their training and skating skills. Training with different experts, both on and off the ice can play a significant roll in advancing the skaters skills, as well as providing continued motivation to train harder and skate at higher levels.